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Characterized by persistent thought and urges to perform repeated acts or rituals, usually as a means of releasing tension or anxiety.

The frequency and intensity of the ritualistic behaviors, such as handwashing, ordering, or checking, are time consuming (taking more than one hour per day) and cause marked distress, significant impairement, or interfere with daily living.

Obsession

The person experiences recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, images that are intrusive, disturbing, inappropriate, and usually triggered by anxiety.

The thoughts, images, and impulses are not simply excessive worries about real life problems.

The person recognizes the thoughts, images, and impulses are from within own mind.

Compulsion

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform, which usually adhere to a rigid and specifically defined routine.

The behaviors and ideations are typically aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing some dreaded situation from occurring.

Specific Biological Factors

There is some evidence that indicates OCD is linked to a deficiency in serotonin.

Clients have also been shown to have abnormalities in frontal lobes and basal ganglia; it is un clear what the implications are for clinical care.